The NFL Combine is in the books, and free agency has settled down after the initial wave of the 2024 NFL season. The NFL Draft is the next big event and will take place about a month from now, at the end of April. April 25th-27th, to be exact, in Detroit, Michigan. Which means it’s NFL Mock Draft season.
While things will still change between now and then, trades will take place, pro days, and interviews will shoot players up the board and down the board. Everyone wants to know who their team might pick. Let’s take a look at my early 2024 two-round NFL Mock Draft, Version 1.0.
The Justin Fields trade made the number one pick a no-brainer. I think most would be surprised to not see Caleb Williams go number one overall. After that, the craziness starts. Rumors around the Commanders wanting JJ McCarthy at number two shook the entire board.
2024 Two-Round NFL Mock Draft – Cody Zeeb Version 1.0
At number three, the Patriots again shake things up by going wide receiver instead of quarterback. Drake Maye slides down the board, and the Minnesota Vikings end up in the perfect position to claim him as their next man up after Kirk Cousins left town.
The Super Bowl champions grab another weapon for Patrick Mahomes while the Buffalo Bills draft another player named after a drink. Jerry Jones and Mike McDaniel just can’t help themselves and grab some new shiny toys.
Round 1
Seven offensive tackles go off the board in round one of this 2024 NFL mock draft. If you’ve got a quarterback, you need to protect him. This is a good draft to grab your tackle of the future to anchor your offensive line. Seven cornerbacks also went in round one. If you weren’t protecting your quarterback, you were trying to stop the other team’s quarterback.
Four quarterbacks, one running back, and five wide receivers were removed from the board. Keep in mind that no trading was done in this mock. Teams will likely make moves and trade up for players they really want. Without predicting those moves, here’s round one.
# | Team | Pick | Pos | College |
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1 | Bears via CAR | Caleb Williams. | QB | USC |
Justin Fields has a new home in Pittsburgh, which pretty much seals the deal. The 22-year-old 2022 Heisman Trophy winner appears to be the man of the future in Chicago. The Bears have made great effort this off-season to surround him with some talented weapons. |
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2 | Commanders | JJ McCarthy | QB | Michigan |
The Commanders are almost certain to go quarterback here. It seemed like maybe Jayden Daniels would go here, but recently JJ McCarthy has shot up the boards and is rumored to go here. Personally not the guy I would take, but if that’s who they’ve got tabbed to be their man, go for it. | ||||
3 | Patriots | Marvin Harrison Jr | WR | Ohio State |
Little bit of a surprise here when you’ve got Daniels and Maye still on the board. But look, the Patriots need to rebuild here. How many Zach Wilson's and Mitch Tribisky’s bust here? Harrison is a generational talent who can change a teams long term. Take your shot at quarterback later, but give that quarterback a weapon like this. | ||||
4 | Cardinals | Rome Odunze | WR | Washington |
Little bit of some surprises ahead of the Cardinals here, with Harrison off the board this could be a good place to trade down with someone who wants a quarterback. With no trades in this mock we’re going to replace Hollywood Brown with a strong receiver. Kyler Murray, still being on the Cardinals roster on March 16th, kicked in a bunch of guarantees, likely securing his future in Arizona. Now get him a new weapon in the draft. | ||||
5 | Chargers | Joe Alt | OT | Norte Dame |
Jim Harbaugh wants to build a tough team, that’s going to start on the line. You have your franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert, let’s give him protection with the best tackle in the draft. | ||||
6 | Giants | Jayden Daniels | QB | LSU |
This couldn’t have worked out better for the Giants. The second best quarterback in my opinion in the draft falls to them at pick 6 in the NFL Draft. You can’t pass up on Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels here. | ||||
7 | Titans | Malik Nabers | WR | LSU |
This is the perfect landing spot for Nabers. The Titans just brought in Calvin Ridley and gave him the bag to play for them. Will Levis is getting the chance to prove himself as “the guy” for this Titans team. Nabers is a great slot receiving option and had 89 receptions for 1,569 yards with 14 touchdowns last season for LSU. | ||||
8 | Falcons | Quinyon Mitchell. | CB | Toledo |
The Falcons addressed their biggest need already by signing quarterback Kirk Cousins, making them an almost instant division contender. Now it’s time to address the defense. Mitchell fills one of their biggest needs as an immediate backfiled starter. |
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9 | Bears | Jared Verse | DE | Florida State |
Behind the obvious need at quarterback, which they address at the No. 1 pick in this draft, edge rusher is a big need for this Chicago Bears team. This would be a good spot to trade back as well. | ||||
10 | Jets | Olumuyiwa Fashanu | OT | Penn State |
Aaron Rodgers is back to lead the Jets for hopefully more than four snaps in 2024. To do so, he’s going to need to be protected and Fashanu is the best pass-blocking tackle in the Draft and should be a plug and play starter to protect Rodgers. |
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11 | Vikings | Drake Maye | QB | UNC |
Kirk Cousins left for the Falcons and now the Vikings need to find the next guy to lead the franchise. With a star like Justin Jefferson, there’s no time to waste. With Maye, once projected to go at pick number two falling to them here. This is a no brainer for the Vikings. | ||||
12 | Broncos | JC Latham | OT | Alabama |
The Broncos have torn it down to the studs. They are out of contention likely for a few seasons and there’s no reason to reach for a guy like Bo Nix here. Trust the process. Build a team first and draft a quarterback with likely a higher pick next year, and maybe take a stab at a guy later in this draft. Let’s protect that next quarterback with a stud OT like Latham, the 6-6, 335-pound tackle who only allowed two sacks out of 443 pass snaps last year. | ||||
13 | Raiders | Troy Fautanu | OG | Washington |
The Raiders could be an interesting spot for JJ McCarthy if this coaching staff believes in him, but the dog mentality of Antonio Pierce matched up with Gardner Minshew could just be a match made in heaven. So let’s address other top needs and protect Mishew or whoever the new Raiders quarterback is. Fantanu is the perfect hard nose baller that would mesh with the team Pierce wants to create in black and silver. | ||||
14 | Saints | Laiatu Latu | EDGE | UCLA |
I considered Bowers here who will go to Indianapolis with the next pick, but I think the Saints will address their edge rushing needs with this pick. The biggest question is his medicals, but if the doctors approve, Latu is one of the best pass rushers in the class: He put up 111 quarterback pressures over the past two seasons, recording 23.5 sacks | ||||
15 | Colts | Brock Bowers | TE | Georgia |
I don't know that Bowers will still be available at pick 14, he’s got the potential to be gone in the top five. If somehow he’s still around, let’s get our young stud quarterback a strong receiving option at tight end. After bringing back Michael Pittman, an option underneath for Anthony Richardson seems like the perfect pick at 15. |
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16 | Seahawks | Dallas Turner | OLB | Alabama |
Turner may be the best pass rusher in the draft and the Seahawks will be lucky if the Alabama linebacker drops this far. Turner had 22 sacks in college and will immediately bolster this Seattle defense. |
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17 | Jaguars | Nate Wiggins | CB | Clemson |
Wiggins has the potential to be the best corner in the 2024 NFL Draft. Wiggins ran a 4.28 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, showing off his blazing speed. The Jaguars have answered a lot of questions in free agency and cornerback remains one of their biggest needs, making Wiggins the perfect pick here. | ||||
18 | Bengals | Byron Murphy | DT | Texas |
Offensive tackle is a big need for this team and I considered going Taliese Fuaga here, but the offensive tackle position is one of the deeper in the 2024 NFL Draft class and with a guy like Murphy still available, the 6-foot-1 297 pounder will be a good anchor on this defensive line. | ||||
19 | Rams | Terrion Arnold | CB | Alabama |
The Rams top cornerback last year ranked 38th out of 127 qualifying cornerbacks. Bringing in Terrion Arnold helps their secondary. Wide receivers that Arnold went against were only targeted 39 times. He's better at zone than man coverage, but he's a strong competitor that should be able to make an impact for the Rams. | ||||
20 | Steelers | Taliese Fuaga | OT | Oregon State |
Wide receiver could be attractive to the Steelers here, but I think they’ll have a chance to snag a guy later on. They need to get the quarterback position figured out with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields now in town competing for the job. Let’s protect whoever is behind center. Fuaga is good in both the pass and rush game, and will bolster this Steelers line. | ||||
21 | Dolphins | Xavier Worthy | WR | Texas |
I don’t think Mike McDaniel can help himself here. Add another shiny, fast toy to his offense? Worthy set the combine record 40-time with a 4.21 second time. The small quick versatile wide receiver will be the perfect pawn in McDaniel’s scheme. | ||||
22 | Eagles | Cooper Dejean | CB | Iowa |
The Eagles are in win now mode and could use a defensive back who can make an immediate impact. Dejean is a hard-nosed football player made for the city of Philadelphia. The Eagles were 30th in points allowed in 2023. His average passer rating over the last two seasons is a solid 43.2. | ||||
23 | Vikings | Graham Barton | C/G | Duke |
The Vikings already added their quarterback of the future at pick 11 with Drake Maye. Now let’s protect Nix and give him time to throw to All-Pro Justin Jefferson. The Vikings could use some interior help, Barton played all over the line in college so he can be moved around wherever the team needs help. | ||||
24 | Cowboys | Jonathan Brooks | RB | Texas |
Come on, you know Jerry can’t help himself. Bring in the star running back from down the road at University of Texas to replace the departing Tony Pollard. The Cowboys have yet to bring anyone in to fill that spot, so Brooks becomes the first running back off the board at 24. | ||||
25 | Packers | Tyler Guyton | OT | Oklahoma |
The Packers released longtime lineman David Bakhtiari along with losing Jon Runyan and Yosh Nijman in free agency. This offense is loaded with weapons, from Jordan Love at quarterback, to a plethora of wide receiver options along with new running back Josh Jacobs. Offensive line is one of the biggest needs for this team and Guyton is a great guy to beef up the line. | ||||
26 | Buccaneers | Chop Robinson | ED | Penn State |
The Buccaneers could use an edge rusher and Chop Robinson is a player with a lot of potential. There are a lot of questions around Chop and why his numbers in college didn’t match what he should be able to do. He’s a risky first round pick, but one that could pay massive dividends. | ||||
27 | Cardinalsvia HST | TJ Tampa | CB | Iowa State |
Come on Buccaneers, he was right there for you to take! Looks like Tampa is going to reside in Phoenix instead. The Cardinals got their wide receiver with the fourth overall pick and now they address the defensive backfield that allowed the second-highest completion percentage (68.6%) and third-most passing touchdowns (32) in 2023. | ||||
28 | Bills | Kool-Aid Mckinstry | CB | Alamaba |
The last time the Bills tried drafting a player named after a drink it didn’t turn out so well, the OJ ended up being sour. Let’s hope for a different result this time! The Bills need help in their defensive backfield. Jordan Poyer is gone, Micah Hyde hasn’t been re-signed, Kool-Aid is the answer. | ||||
29 | Lions | Ennis Rakestraw Jr. | CB | Missouri |
Yet another cornerback off the board in round one as the Lions grab the Missouri defensive back here. The Lions offense is loaded with studs. The defense however, allowed the sixth most passing yards in 2023. Their inability to stop the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game was a cruel reminder of that. Rakestraw is a hard nose football player perfect for Dan Campbell. | ||||
30 | Ravens | Amarius Mims | OT | Georgia |
You’ve got Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry on this team. How about a 6 for 7 inch 340 athletic blocker to clear a path for them? For as big as he is, Mims has impressive explosiveness out of his stance and the ability to get downfield quickly. | ||||
31 | 49ers | Roger Rosengarten | OT | Washington |
The 49ers could consider going wide receiver here if they decide to move on from Brandon Aiyuk. With Aiyuk still on the roster let’s shore up that offensive line a little bit. The right side of the line proved troublesome for the 49ers in 2023, and let’s moot forget Trent Williams is 35-years-old. | ||||
32 | Chiefs | Brian Thomas Jr | WR | LSU |
What do you get for the kid who has it all? Another fun toy to play with anyways. The Chiefs will be lucky if Thomas falls to the, here at the end of the first round, but if he’s here he’ll be a great addition. Travis Kelce returns, Rashee Rice is back and Hollywood Brown signed a one year deal. Thomas adds a 6 foot 4 inch speedy wide receiver who can go up and track the ball down, a great addition for the Super Bowl champions. |
Round 2
Round two of this NFL mock kicks off with the Panthers’ first selection, a player to replace Brian Burns. The Texans and Browns also make their first picks of the Draft in round two.
The Patriots and Raiders get some answers about quarterbacks after both teams brought in veterans as potential bridge quarterbacks for the time being. An incredible nine wide receivers go off the board in round two. This is a deep class for wide receivers in this range. We even see a stretch from picks 49-52 of three straight wide receivers.
# | Team | Pick | Pos | College |
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33 | Panthers via SF | Bralen Trice | ED | Washington |
The Panthers have no first round pick this year despite being the worst team in the league, after trading that pick for Bryce Young. Jury is out, but early returns don’t look good. Brian Burns has been traded so it’s time to replace him. Trice could easily be a first round pick. He’s got impressive size and mobility. In 2023 for the Huskies Trice recorded 70 total pressures, 49 QB hurries, 15 QB hits and six sacks. | ||||
34 | Patriots | Bo Nix | QB | Oregon |
Once the initial quarterbacks are off the board, if both the Broncos and Raiders decide to pass on a quarterback, Nix could slide. Maybe someone trades up for him late in the first round as we often say. But if he slips, the Patriots would have played this perfectly. Getting Marvin Harrison in round one and then rolling the quarterback dice in round two. | ||||
35 | Cardinals | Jer'Zhan Newton | DT | Illinois |
The Cardinals are sitting nice and plush with early picks in this 2024 NFL Draft. They’ve addressed wide receiver and defensive back. Next up the defensive line. No team allowed more rushing yards in 2023 than the Cardinals. Plugging in Newton gives you a disruptive force in the middle and immediately improves this defensive line. | ||||
36 | Commanders | Jordan Morgan | OT | Arizona |
The Commanders got their man in JJ McCarthy with the second overall pick, now let’s protect him. The Commanders need an overhaul at tackle, especially with a young quarterback coming in. Morgan is explosive, has a rare change of direction skill and quick lateral burst. He’ll start immediately in Washington. | ||||
37 | Chargers | Xavier Legette | WR | South Carolina |
The Chargers passed on wide receiver in the first round to shore up the line. With Kennan Allen and Mike Williams both moving on, the Chargers need to address wide receiver. The 6 foot 3 inch Legette has drawn some pre draft comparisons to AJ Brown and makes the perfect big target for Herbert. | ||||
38 | Titans | Chris Braswell | ED | Alabama |
The Titans picked up Malik Nabers in the first round. Now they’ll turn to their defense and address edge rusher. Only two edge rushers return to the Titans who recorded more than two sacks in 2023. The Crimson Tide rusher can squat 705 pounds and power clean 405 pounds. He also jumps a 38.5 inch vertical to go along with his quickness off the line. | ||||
39 | Panthers via SF | Adonai Mitchell | WR | Texas |
Luckily for the Panthers they have picks in quick succession here early in the second round. It’s time to invest in the offense and help Bryce Young, or whoever takes over the job next. The 6 foot 4 inch Mitchell is a monster target who can easily be a number one target in an NFL offense. | ||||
40 | Commandersvia CHI | Jonah Elliss | ED | Utah |
They’ve already gone quarterback and offensive tackle, now they turn to defense. After losing both Chase Young and Montez Sweat, a solid edge rusher is needed to replace them. Elliss is explosive with a high motor. He’s quick and agile and will be exactly what the commanders need. | ||||
41 | Packersvia NYJ | Tyler Nubin | S | Minnesota |
The Packers would like to shore up the backside of their secondary, in a weaker safety class Nubin is the first safety off the board at pick number 41. Nubin already has NFL size, he’s versatile with great coverage instincts, range and ball skills. Nubin could make an impact for the Packers from day one. | ||||
42 | Texans | Kamari Lassiter | CB | Georgia |
The Houston Texans are finally on the clock. After picking CJ Stroud number two overall last season, they traded up to pick number three and snagged Will Anderson, both moves appeared brilliant as the Texans made the playoffs in 2023. It was worth the wait to pick here at 42 for those two players. The Texans address defensive back with their first pick in the sticky cover corner Lassiter. | ||||
43 | Falcons | Ladd McConkey | WR | Georgia |
McConkey doesn’t have to travel far leaving Athens and heading down to Atlanta. The speedy receiver checked in with a 4.39 40-yard-dash at the NFL Combine. With the big target in Drake London on one side, McConkey will be the perfect running mate and a great target for Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins. | ||||
44 | Raiders | Michael Penix Jr. | QB | Washington |
The Raiders passed up on quarterback in round one and their patience has been rewarded. With Gardner Minshew in town the Raiders don’t need a day one starter. Minshew is a strong bridge quarterback to start for the Raiders while Penix Jr learns behind him. | ||||
45 | Saints via DEN | Koran Amegadjie | OT | Yale |
The Saints 2022 first rounder Trevor Penning has struggled two seasons into his career. The 6 foot 5 inch 326 pounder comes from the Ivy League where he attended Yale. While he mostly anchored the left side at Yale, he’s shown the versatility to play guard as well. | ||||
46 | Colts | Kris Jenkins | DT | Michigan |
Size is the biggest thing keeping Jenkins from being higher on the draft board. The son of Kris Jenkins Sr, the four time pro-bowl defensive tackle has learned a thing or two over the years from his dad. Jenkins consistency and non stop motor make up for what he lacks in size. He’s a run stuffing specialist and has strong hands. | ||||
47 | Giantsvia SEA | Troy Franklin+ | WR | Oregon |
The Giants walked into Jayden Daniels in the first round. Let’s go all in on that unplanned accident and give him a real weapon. Wandale Robinson is a nice sleedy complement guy, but he’s hurt a lot. Darren Waller is on the fence about retiring. Let’s bring in the quick footed detailed route running 6 foot 3 inch Troy Franklin. | ||||
48 | Jaguars | Jackson Powers-Johnson | C | Oregon |
The Jaguars just signed Mitch Morse to a two year deal. Great for the short term, but by bringing in Powers-Johnson it allows them to fix the position long term. In the meantime the versatile interior lineman can play guard. | ||||
49 | Bengals | Devontez Walker | WR | UNC |
Tee Higgins has requested to be traded, at this time he’s still a Bengal but for how much longer, remains to be seen. Walker is a natural playmaker who’s best with the ball in his hands. The 6 foot 2 inch receiver ran a 4.36-second 40-yard-dash time at the NFL Combine. | ||||
50 | Eagles via NO | Jermaine Burton | WR | Alabama |
Burton is the perfect fit for the Eagles. We all know about AJ Brown and Devonte Smith, but what the Eagles need is a slot wide receiver to work underneath. Welcome to the team Jermaine Burton. Burton is great in the short game and will compliment Brown and Smith perfectly. | ||||
51 | Steelers | Ja'Lynn Polk | WR | Washington |
We’ve got us a little wide receiver run here as Polk is the third receiver in a row to come off the board. If the Steelers know how to pick a position in the draft, it’s wide receiver . Dionte Johnson has moved on to Carolina, and George Pickens remains on the team. Polk has the ball skills to be an immediate impact with Pittsburgh. | ||||
52 | Rams | Mekhi Wingo | DT/b> | Duke |
Nobody can truly replace the retiring Aaron Donald, one of the greatest interior defensive lineman we’ve ever seen. However, the Rams are tasked with filling their large gap in their defense and Wingo is the guy for the job. Like Donald, Wingo is a shorter player who uses his unique blend of strength and agility. | ||||
53 | Eagles | Jeremiah Trotter Jr | LB | Clemson |
Jeremiah Trotter Sr was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft. Now his son is taken in the second round at pick number 53 by the same franchise. Trotter Jr is the only FBS player with five-plus sacks and two-plus interceptions in each of the past two seasons, totaling 12 sacks, 28 tackles for loss and four interceptions in that span. |
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54 | Browns | Edderin Cooper. | LB | Texas A&M |
The Browns are finally on the clock, still without a first round pick from acquiring quarterback Deshaun Watson. Cleveland will go defense here and continue to bolster their linebacker crew after bringing in free agents Jordan Hicks and Devin Bush. |
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55 | Dolphins | Zach Frazier | C | West Virginia |
The Dolphins need help on the interior of their offensive line. Miami ranked 31st in pass block win rate in 2023. Frazier is just the guy to help. He can move back and forth between center and guard play where he is needed. |
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56 | Cowboys | Patrick Paul | OT | Houston |
The Cowboys again stay in state with a selection from Houston this time. Tyron Smith left Dallas to protect Aaron Rodgers in New York and the Cowboys need someone to hold the line down for Dan Prescott and new running back Jonathan Brooks. | ||||
57 | Buccaneers | Keon Coleman | WR | Florida State |
Baker Mayfield is back along with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, but as Evans ages it’s time to start thinking about the future of the position. Coleman’s 40-time (4.61-seconds) at the NFL Combine could be a little concerning but his game speed doesn’t seem to be an issue. Coleman has smooth hands and was the best receiver at the Combine’s gauntlet drill. |
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58 | Packers | D.J. James | CB | Auburn |
Last pick the packers went safety, the defensive backfield remains a point of focus in this draft as they snag Auburn’s D.J. James. James is experienced at 23-years old having played in both the SEC and PAC-12. James has quick feet and fluid hips and can be an impact from day one. | ||||
59 | Texans | T'Vomdre Sweat | DT | Texas/b> |
The Texans will keep upgrading their defense, this time improving the defensive line. Checking in at the Combine at 366 pounds Sweat is no small dude. The defensive tackle won the Outland Trophy as the nation's top interior lineman and was also named the Big12 defensive player of the year. His impact will be felt, literally and figuratively for Houston. | ||||
60 | Bills | Kamren Kinchens | S | Miami |
Jordan Poyer headed to South Beach, leaving a big hole in this Bills secondary. They went cornerback in the first round with Kool-Aid, and they’ll go back to the defensive backfield in round two with safety Karen Kinchens out of the University of Miami. |
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61 | Lions | Adisa Isaac | ED | Penn State |
Defense again for the Lions here as they select Isaac. Isaac has great size for a pass rusher, makes great use of his long arms and ability to use his hands to swipe away blocks. Isaac excels against the run and has a lot of potential. |
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62 | Ravens | Brenden Rice | WR | USC |
Jerry’s son almost made it back to the 49ers, but as Lee Corso would say “Not so fast.” Rice has amazing competitive toughness, he’s a strong blocking wide receiver and is surprisingly quick. He’ll make a nice addition to compliment Zay Flowers. | ||||
64 | 49ers | Kalen King | CB | Penn State |
The 49ers take one of Caleb Williams' favorite targets to play opposite Brandon Aiyuk. This leaves Deebo in the slot where he excels. The 6-3 Rice had 12 touchdowns last year and becomes another offensive weapon in Kyle Shanahan's scheme. | ||||
63 | Chiefs | Brandon Dorlus | ED | Oregon |
After getting their wide receiver in the first round, it’s over to the defense for the defending champions. Chris Jones is back with a massive contract making one of the defensive tackles here a little less appealing. They’ll go edge rusher here to help out a guy like Jones. Dorlus ran a blazing fast 4.78 40-yard dash. As a five year college player, Dorlus comes in with experience to help lift a championship team. |